Chapter 43
I absolutely refused to accept that, and Claude looked visibly disappointed. Regardless of how he reacted, there was no way I could accept something like that, not when I had to somehow, under the Duke’s orders, get him to show up at the wedding.
There was also no need to mention that I’d simply stashed away all the money and gifts I’d received from him so far. In reality, I had taken out and used a coin or two of gold here and there when I needed to.
“Ayla, I’m back.”
At that time, all I could do was enjoy the temporary peace in front of me as much as possible.
“Did you have a good trip, Young Master?”
Waiting for him in his bedroom, just for him to return.
“You waited for me again today.”
Even as I pretended otherwise, my joy was plain in my eyes when I met his crimson gaze.
“How could I possibly stand it when I missed you so much? The day felt way too long, Young Master.”
As I wrapped my arms around his broad back, which naturally pulled me in by the waist.
Every time Claude’s lips crumbled into a smile, I felt my own heart melt along with his. I was doing my best to soften him.
“Did you really wait for me that much?”
While I thought his wide, silly grin was cute, a part of me couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Is it really okay for a man like this to get so happy over a single sweet word?
This man, called the Empire’s greatest assassin and the Emperor’s dagger, is he really allowed to be so defenseless with me? What if, someday, someone shows up with the intent to deceive him like this, just as I’m doing now? I even worried about his future.
“I like you, Ayla.”
But, oblivious to all my worries, Claude was overcome with emotion, blurting out such simple, sweet words.
“I like you too.”
The moment I unconsciously gave him the answer he wanted, his crimson eyes wavered and then dropped straight down.
Seeing that adorable reaction with his ears instantly flushed red, it made my own face heat up, as if I’d caught it from him.
“Haa…”
But immediately, as he hugged me tighter and let out a sigh, that sweet feeling vanished, and my heart sank.
“What’s wrong, Young Master?”
“It’s just… I keep thinking it’s good that I’m alive.”
My conscience ached, until it felt like my whole chest was being crushed by a stone.
No matter how I looked at it, I didn’t think I could keep doing this much longer.
* * *
One night, while I was busily carrying out my own feeble tactics.
At last—and I still get chills thinking about it—I decided to try what you’d call a pillow talk trial with Claude.
“Young Master.”
It was after several rounds of intense lovemaking, when he, looking like the world’s most spoiled child, had his face buried in my chest and was melting into a lazy heap.
I thought I’d chosen the right moment and called out to him nervously, but the answer that came back was completely unexpected.
“Claude.”
“…Huh?”
“Don’t call me ‘Young Master’, try calling me Claude.”
It wasn’t like we’d just started sleeping together, and yet suddenly, out of nowhere, he made such a request. I knew he’d definitely be disappointed if I refused, but it wasn’t even something difficult, so I quickly granted his wish.
“…Claude.”
As soon as I actually spoke his name, the way it rolled softly off the tip of my tongue left a mark on my heart.
For someone to blush so much just over their name… Honestly, he was hopeless, and I was no better.
Do you really like me that much?
If we were an ordinary couple, I might have dared to joke around, but I already knew what I had to say to him tonight.
“Mhm.”
An even softer and weaker reply than usual came back. At the same time, a certain part of him that was anything but soft pressed against my thigh, but I tried my best to ignore it.
“Um… there’s something I’d like to ask you.”
His eyes widened in surprise, but Claude instinctively nodded his head.
“What are you so nervous about? If it’s a request from you, I’d do anything.”
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